Find Pedro Ferraz @
Official website
Soundcloud
Brief list of credits
Gooms (game), A Mãe e o Mar (movie), ZMAR (advertising soundtrack)
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do for a living?
I write music and sound design for videogames, films, television and advertising projects.
What is your niche or speciality, that makes you stand out from rest of the audio professionals?
I think that having a master degree at Sound Design in parallel with my career as a musician, gave me the tools to understand all the processes that surround audio: Miking, Mixing, Composing, Mastering, SFX’s, 5.1, etc.
These tools gave me the knowledge to enhance all my productions and to understand the industry as a whole.
Can you give us a brief summary of the equipment you use regularly?
My gear is really simple but was chosen carefully. As an audio interface I use an Apogee Duet II, I have a small collection of microphones like a pair of Rhodes NT1, AKG C214, SHURE SM57 and SM58 and some custom built piezos. I have different pairs of headphones, but the one’s I use the most are the ATH – M50RD, as speakers I use a pair of Yamaha HS50M, as keyboards I have a Nectar Impact LX61 and a M-Audio Oxygen.
This equipment works well for me and it’s the base of all of my creations. Fortunately, I have access to some great studios and people that allow me to use different equipment and conditions for projects that have specific needs.
What are your go-to plug-ins and software? (virtual instruments, audio processing etc.)
All my composing is done on Logic Pro X. In terms of audio processing I like many different plugins.
When do you find you are most creative?
I find myself most inspired when the project I’m working with challenges me.
Also everyday life plays an important role on my creativity, the energy that surrounds you is truly important on your creativity. I work at Miew Studios (miew.pt), where everyone is always creating something unique and different which definitely has an impact on the way I come up with an idea.
What is your usual process for creating audio content for games, films etc.?
The first thing I do is to get as many conversations with the client / director about the project. Before I open my DAW, I try to have as many information as possible about the vision of the client and all of his or hers intends. Depending on the project I often grab a pen and start writing some words or thoughts about the energy and the feeling of the music. I always try to dive deep into the story and hear what’s asked from that story.
Are there any particular secrets to your creativity?
I try to be as curious as I can be. If you are in this industry you have to always be aware about what surrounds you. Everyday life can give you some great answers and good seeds for you to plant and bring it to your music and creations. I also listen a lot. That’s probably my best secret and my best advice: Listen a lot. Everything. From Music to little sounds that surrounds you.
Do you have any audio creation techniques that resulted in something interesting?
I like to explore different sounds from conventional instruments, but I have to say that some of the most interesting results I had was with contact mics. With a contact mic you can explore sound on everything from a kiwi to a doll, or a pack of cigars or even a bottle.
Any specific “lessons learned” on a project that you could share?
I think that each project always teach you something and if you are curious enough you’ll always learn something from a project.
Any tips, hints or motivational speeches for the readers?
I guess the most important thing is for you to get emotionally involved with sound and music you make and embrace every project as a blank screen you have to paint on in order to bring life to it. And when you work with a client you have to see yourself as a wizard who gives soul to someone’s vision.
Keep working on improving your craft and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Push yourself again and again.